Featherstone Center for the Arts with be hosting a trio of events on Sunday, May 13. Two opening receptions will be taking place from 4 to 6 pm on campus. The 22nd annual “Art of Flowers” show, curated by Holly Alaimo, will be housed in the Francine Kelly Gallery in the new Art Barn for the first time. An open community show with a popular theme, the “Art of Flowers” has traditionally been the largest art show at Featherstone, by number of artist submissions, opening reception turnout, and visitation. This will be an exciting exhibit in its 22nd year, moving into the larger space of the Francine Kelly Gallery’s 1,500 square feet (almost twice as large as the former Farmhouse Gallery at Featherstone).
Simultaneously from 4 to 6 pm, Featherstone will be hosting a high school photography exhibit next door in the Farmhouse Gallery. “Photographers Society Debut” will feature the work of three MVRHS students: Tyla Packish, Daniel Rivard, and Davin Tackabury. These three sophomore students have been working to establish a new photography club, the “Photographers Society.” Davin Tackabury launched a GoFundMe page, gofundme.com/photography-club-art-show, to raise funds for matting and framing the group’s opening show at Featherstone and to support the group’s continued work.
At 3:30 pm, in advance of the two openings, a celebration will take place outside, welcoming the John Schule Chapel to Featherstone’s campus. The chapel was donated by the Rev. Dr. John Schule, and moved this spring by Steve Ewing to its new location upon a grassy knoll near the outdoor stage. The small structure will provide a space for serenity and creative inspiration on Featherstone’s campus. Dr. Michael Jacobs has led a committee comprised of the Rev. Schule’s friends, organizing the chapel’s move and raising funds to help support its future maintenance. A writing workshop will take place in the chapel this summer, kicking off its new purpose as a place for creative inspiration at Featherstone.